Geranium

Family: Geraniaceae

Genus: Pelargonium

Species: x hortorum

History

Geraniums were introduced to Europe from South Africa in the 1600s and quickly became a balcony favourite. In Australia, their ability to flower for months on end, even in dry conditions, made them a hit. Their name comes from the Greek for “crane,” a nod to their beak-shaped seed pods.

Sowing Calendar

Best Months to Plant – Geranium
Climate ZoneJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Cool/Mountain✓✓
Temperate✓✓
Arid✓✓✓
Subtropical✓✓✓
Tropical✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Cool/Mountain – Geranium
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓
Direct sow✓✓
Temperate – Geranium
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓
Direct sow✓✓
Arid – Geranium
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓
Subtropical – Geranium
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓
Tropical – Geranium
MethodJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Start in trays✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Plant out transplants✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓
Direct sow✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓✓

Where to Plant

Vertical Supports & Trellises

Vertical Supports & Trellises
• Structures used to support climbing or vining plants such as beans or cucumbers
• Maximise vertical space and improve air circulation
• Useful in small gardens to increase planting density
• Can also provide shade or act as garden partitions

In-Ground Garden Beds

In-Ground Garden Beds
• Traditional garden beds dug directly into the soil
• Suitable for deep-rooted crops and long-term plantings
• Offers natural soil ecology and drainage benefits
• Requires proper soil preparation and weed management

Shady Spots & Herb Gardens

Shady Spots & Herb Gardens
• Areas receiving dappled or indirect sunlight, often near trees or buildings
• Best for shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, or greens like spinach
• Helps prevent sun stress and conserves moisture
• Often used in cooler corners of the garden

Pre-treatment

None Identified

There are no pre treatments required for germination.

Sowing Method

Start in Trays

• Fill seed trays or punnets with quality seed-raising mix
• Sow seeds at the correct depth—refer to seed packet for guidance
• Place trays in a warm, sheltered location with good light
• Mist or bottom-water to avoid disturbing small seeds
• Transplant seedlings once they develop 2–4 true leaves

Direct Sow

• Sow seeds directly into prepared garden soil or outdoor containers
• Best for plants that dislike transplanting, such as root vegetables and beans
• Loosen soil and remove weeds before sowing
• Sow at the recommended depth and spacing, then water gently
• Keep the area moist until germination and thin seedlings if needed

Watering

Low

• Suitable for drought-tolerant or Mediterranean-style plants
• Needs watering only during extended dry periods or heatwaves
• Prefers deep but infrequent watering to encourage strong root growth
• Ideal for well-drained soils and low-maintenance garden beds
• Mulching helps retain moisture and reduce watering even further

Fertilisation

Frost

Frost Tolerant

These plants can tolerate light to moderate frosts and may survive through cooler seasons.

Maintenance and Harvesting

Geraniums require regular deadheading and removal of yellowing leaves. Pinch back stems to promote bushy growth. Water when dry and trim back after blooming to rejuvenate the plant.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from plants, causing leaves to curl, yellow or become distorted. As they feed, they excrete sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould, and colonies can build quickly in warm weather.

Start with organic controls: blast colonies off with a firm jet of water, encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, and spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to disrupt feeding. Keep plants well watered and avoid excess nitrogen that promotes soft growth. If pressure remains high, selective chemical sprays can be used sparingly, taking care to protect pollinators and beneficials.

Two-spotted spider mites

Two‑spotted spider mites are tiny sap‑suckers that stipple leaves, causing a speckled, yellow look and fine webbing—worst in hot, dry conditions. Unchecked, plants can defoliate.

Increase humidity around plants, hose undersides of leaves, and release or encourage predatory mites. Neem and horticultural oils suppress populations organically. Miticides exist for heavy outbreaks; rotate actives to reduce resistance.

Rust

Rust diseases produce raised orange‑brown pustules on leaves and stems. Spores disperse easily on wind and water, causing repeated reinfection and gradual weakening of plants.

Remove infected material and avoid wetting foliage. Grow resistant varieties where possible and rotate crops. Organic sulfur or copper sprays can protect new growth; systemic fungicides are a chemical fallback if rust persists.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies can affect plant health and yields in home gardens. Typical symptoms include slowed growth, discolouration, and reduced productivity, often triggered by weather, nutrition, or cultural conditions.

Start with cultural fixes: rotate crops, improve soil with compost, water consistently, and choose resistant varieties. Organic sprays or amendments can reduce severity; chemical options are a last resort and should be used carefully and in accordance with labels.

Bacterial spot / blight

Bacterial spot / blight can affect plant health and yields in home gardens. Typical symptoms include slowed growth, discolouration, and reduced productivity, often triggered by weather, nutrition, or cultural conditions.

Start with cultural fixes: rotate crops, improve soil with compost, water consistently, and choose resistant varieties. Organic sprays or amendments can reduce severity; chemical options are a last resort and should be used carefully and in accordance with labels.

Growing Tips

• Geranium stems snap in wind; grow in a sheltered position or pinch to compact.
• Geranium leaf scorch occurs with drought then heavy watering; keep moisture even.
• Geranium flowering slows in low light; provide full sun.

Browse Geranium Seeds